In May 2011, Zelicks was opened by brothers' Chase and Seth Katz, bringing a new and unique establishment to the San Marcos bar scene. Chase and Seth have lived, studied and worked in San Marcos and decided to open Zelicks as a place that would attract diverse clientele to its friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to make new friends or catch up with old ones.

The site itself was originally a 1930s gas station and still shows the remains of being so. Zelicks is full of interesting and original design features, including old framed photos commemorating the life of Jack Zelick Katz, Seth and Chase's grandfather as well as the bars' namesake. Jack Zelick Katz was instrumental in the brothers' success, providing the first loan towards opening the brothers' first business, Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery. The brothers' chose to name the bar Zelicks as a tribute to their grandfather's faith and support in their entrepreneurial endeavours.